Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ferns, particularly species such as Polypodium vulgare and Dryopteris filix-mas, have a documented history of use in traditional medicine systems for digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). In various folk medicine traditions across Europe and Asia, decoctions or infusions made from fern rhizomes or fronds have been administered to alleviate symptoms such as bloating, mild stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite. Historical herbal texts, such as those from the 16th to 19th centuries, frequently mention the use of ferns for “weak stomach” or “digestive weakness.”

However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. While ferns contain a range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, there is a lack of controlled clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically addressing their efficacy for dyspepsia in modern literature. Some in vitro studies suggest mild antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory activity in certain fern extracts, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to human digestive health. In summary, the use of fern for dyspepsia is justified by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence, and its efficacy should be regarded as unproven by contemporary standards.

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